Synonyms: Corticium aluta, Corticium diminuens, Corticium grammicum, Corticium penetrans, Corticium portentosum, Crystallocystidium portentosum, Stereum portentosum, Terana diminuens, Terana portentosa, Vararia portentosa.
Common name: mothball crust.
Scytinostroma portentosum is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Lachnocladiaceae. It is characterized by its effused-reflexed to pileate basidiocarps, with a smooth to velvety hymenium and white to cream-colored context. In East and Central Texas, it has been found growing on deciduous logs and stumps, particularly on oak and maple, often in shaded and humid environments. The fungus typically fruits in the spring and fall, producing spores that are cylindrical to allantoid in shape and measure 5-7 x 2-3 µm in size.
Corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on dry stems of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Texture of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Tan-colored corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Close-up of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Growth pattern of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) with a scratch turning brown on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Close-up of surface of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) together with Hymenochaete on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
White margins of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a dry stem of pecan in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 2, 2023
Partially dried corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a pecan log near a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 2023
23450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Section corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a pecan log near a former pond in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 202323450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a fallen branch of pecan in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 202323450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Crust fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a fallen branch of pecan in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 202323450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Texture of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on a fallen branch of pecan in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 202323450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Crust fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on bark of a fallen branch of pecan tree in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 3, 202323450 Farm-to-Market Road 1155, Washington, Texas 77880, United States
Spores (at low magnification, x40 objective) of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from dry stems of pecan, collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 3, 2023
Spores (with x100 objective) of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from dry stems of pecan, collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 3, 2023
Spores (with x100 objective) of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from dry stems of pecan, collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 3, 2023
Spore size 10.7 - 12.3 × 7 - 8 µm, length to width ratio Q = 1.5 - 1.7.
Spores (with less applied pressure) of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from dry stems of pecan, collected a day before in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, January 3, 2023
Spores of corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from a pecan log near a former pond, collected a day before in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 4, 2023
Spores (in lugol) from corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from a pecan branch near the river, collected a day before in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 4, 2023
Spores from corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from a pecan branch near the river, collected a day before in Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. Washington, Texas, January 4, 2023
Brown Peniophora-like corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on soft rotting log in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, May 7, 2024906, Ashburn Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Growth pattern of brown Peniophora-like corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on soft rotting log in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, May 7, 2024906, Ashburn Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Texture of brown Peniophora-like corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on soft rotting log in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, May 7, 2024906, Ashburn Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Scratched area of brown Peniophora-like corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) on soft rotting log in David E. Schob Nature Preserve at 906 Ashburn Street. College Station, Texas, May 7, 2024906, Ashburn Avenue, College Station, Brazos County, Texas, 77840, United States
Spores of brown Peniophora-like corticioid fungus Scytinostroma portentosum(?) from a soft rotting log, collected in David E. Schob Nature Preserve. College Station, Texas, May 7, 2024The fungus Scytinostroma portentosum was observed on various substrates in East and Central Texas. In January 2023, it was found on dry pecan stems and logs in Lick Creek Park and Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site. The fungus displayed a range of characteristics, including tan color, crust-like texture, and white margins. Spores were collected and examined under a microscope, showing varying sizes and shapes. In May 2024, the fungus was again observed on a soft rotting log in David E. Schob Nature Preserve, with a brown Peniophora-like appearance. The observations suggest that Scytinostroma portentosum is a common species in the region, capable of growing on different types of decaying wood. The detailed documentation of its morphology and spore characteristics can aid in future identification and study of this fungus. Overall, the observations provide valuable insights into the biology and ecology of Scytinostroma portentosum.
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